Firming Up Our Thursday Day Trip/Dinner

I'm so excited!!! One day plan I've been working on for the "Women's Mexico Retreat" is a day trip up north of Club Santiago. We'd probably leave at a relaxed time, like noon, and our driver would travel us up to "Barra" first. Barrade Navidad, which means “Christmas Sandbar” or “The Bar of
Christmas,” is a small farming and fishing community.This sleepy little town is popular with those looking for a quiet stretch of beach without the large hotels and resorts of other larger Mexican cities. There are colorful local markets to photo, unpaved streets to sketch, small family owned stores to sample and popular beach front seafood restaurants where those interested, could have a light lunch. At Barra's beach, the scene is fascinating - between playing in the waves and enjoying the beauty of the local vendors and their wares. Later in the afternoon we will continue a little bit farther north to the village of Melaque. When I was there we stumbled across this delicious restaurant that coupled with a beachfront view" to die for". We were entertained by young surfers leaping off waves into the air while we feased on food prepared for the Gods.

So I have at last procured a gentleman to drive us on this Thursday trip. Here is his most recent email back to me:

"yes we can acomidate to all your needs our job is to make you and your ladies fell happy on your Manzanillo retreat our driver will be comited to your needs for the time period not a problem he will take you to the Barra de Navidad market to do your shopeing after that its time for a nice dinner in beautiful Melaque we will make sure you get the best out of the whole shopping, dinner, drive around town to town and back to Manzanillo" - Fredrico

So if this is something you think you could enjoy - sign onto our rooster of ladies. It's going to be a treat for all attending.

Participants Condo Pricing

With a more complete vision of the Condominium I've secured for the "Women's Mexico Retreat", April 12-19, I have worked out a sliding scale arrangement for all three different bedrooms available. These, of course, are based on a first come, first serve basis (and I DO already have a tentative reservation for the Master Bedroom, pending contract signing & deposit). My goal is fair pricing to accomodate everyone to their liking, as best I can. If you have questions or concerns, please, contact me and I'll get an answer for you as quickly as possible.

Master Bedroom:
The entire upper floor is a large master bedroom suite with private bath, with one balcony and a huge terrace overlooking the pool. The master terrace has a small whirlpool tub, a table and with four chairs, and two lounge chairs. The lady/ladies occupying this space need be comfortable sharing use of the deck and it's amenities.

$750 Single Occupant/2 occupants in condo total
650 Single Occupant/3-4 occupants in condo total
550 Single Occupant/5 occupants in condo total
Double Occupancy would divide room cost by half.

Guest Bedroom:
On main floor with 2 double beds, a bathroom with separate vanity and a balcony.

$650 Single Occupant/2 occupants in condo total
600 Single Occupant/3-4 occupants in condo total
350 Double Occupant/3-5 occupants in condo total
300 Triple Occupant/5-6 occupants in condo total
250 Quad Occupant/6-7 occupants in condo total

Bunk Bedroom:
On main floor with bunk beds, a closet, a bathroom and window.

$410 Single Occupant
250 Double Occupant

A deposit of one half of the room cost and a $100 per person, refundable, damage deposit will be required with signing of the Condo Contract and a copy of the Condo Rules, in addition to the Retreat Contract. I will need the final, full lodging and retreat payment by the February 1, 2009 deadline. As more participants sign onto the condo roster, refunds for diminished room prices will distributed at the end of Retreat.

As you can see, the more friends you bring, the more reasonable the stay. I encourage you inviting a friend or two along! What a great winter treat for all of you.

Fellow Traveler Viewpoint

Apologies for my absence ... I had a huge commission to complete and have recently started up with a new gallery. All things which devoured my attention so, finally I can turn back to our exciting retreat and the plans (and teases) for those of you planning on joining me!

Recently, one of my fellow travelers on our most recent trip to Manzanillo sent me a sweet review of his experience trekking around with me. Mike is the smiley fellow on the left of this photo (with his lady and Roland, my hubby, and I on the right). Pictured here as we dine - yes, at one of the restaurants to which I plan taking my retreat participants - and laugh at this hilarious antics of our server, who so freely volunteered to shoot this photo of us.

Here's Mikes commentary, in part, that most touched me.

There were many reasons which made our visit to Club Santiago memorable, fun and educational. Each day we mixed up activities which inspired our sensibilities, our spirits and our friendship. One pervasive theme to our visit was Elaine's art work. On each of our jaunts she would carry her journal and art supplies to capture local scenes and memories. I would sit alongside and marvel at her skill and artistry.

While each of us of had a digital camera to snap photos, her artistic vision and patience evoked a more focused and sensual capturing of the scenes, colors and textures of our environment.

I learned a great deal from watching, listening and questioning her unique perspective, skill and understanding of lighting, angles and focus.

While I will not be able to attend this spring retreat, you SHOULD! Club Santiago offers respite to the harsh winter (late spring) weather. The people, sights and sounds are inspiring, especially so, when in the good care and company of Elaine.

I'm trusting Mike's words and experience (yes, that is him, the cartoon character holding up the large bamboo!) can give you a window into the potential of seeing this vibrant, colorful and diverse retreat through an artists eyes. Those memories and emotions YOU can capture in your journal, not to mention the sharing that will go on between some mighty wonderful women. I've already spoken to several of you potential participants and you will be enamored and thrilled at what's in store for all of us. I look forward to sharing a whole new dimension with you all.

P.S. I DID receive confirmation on the condominium just across the street for participants lodging and am figuring out the sliding scale for the 3 different ranges of rooms and the varying amounts contingent upon the number of participants staying at the condo. I've inquired with the condo owner for more exact descriptions of the rooms and will be posting prices within the next few days.